Wound care connection device and wound care kit

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for connecting multi-lumen lines for the medical field, in particular for wound care in the field of vacuum therapy, having a preferably one-piece basic body, designed for tight and preferably releasable connection of at least two line lumens, wherein the basic body, for furnishing a distributor chamber for at least one, preferably two, three, or more lumens, opening into it, of the connected line and preferably at least one channel for removing a fluid from and introducing it into the distributor chamber, and when the line is connected, the distributor chamber is sealed off in fluid-tight fashion from at least one line lumen in such a way that a fluid exchange between the distributor chamber and this line lumen is prevented.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to European PatentApplication Serial No. 15 002 121.0, filed on Jul. 16, 2015, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for connecting multi-lumen lines inthe medical field, in particular for wound care in vacuum therapy,having a preferably one-piece basic body designed for tightly andpreferably releasably connecting at least two line lumens, and to atreatment kit for vacuum therapy having at least one connection deviceof the invention and at least one multi-lumen line connectable thereto.

In vacuum therapy, in order to promote the wound healing process, avacuum is created in the area of a wound that is to be treated. To thatend, the wound area is connected by a tube to a corresponding pump, withwhich exudate from the wound area can simultaneously be aspirated away.Additionally, it may be necessary to measure the pressure in the woundarea via a separate line lumen, to ventilate the wound area via separateline lumens, and to supply wound cleaning agents, medications, or thelike, etc. For individual indications, it may be advantageous tomaintain a continuous flow in the area of the wound area. For otherindications, it may be appropriate to maintain a constant vacuum.Finally, in some indications, it is also appropriate to generate andreduce the vacuum in a predetermined chronological order; that is, toapply an intermittent vacuum in the area of the wound area.

It has proved advantageous if two, three or more line lumens are usedfor ventilation, while the vacuum can be generated via a line lumen witha larger line cross section.

For the purpose of the vacuum therapy, the line lumens must be connectedto a suitable vacuum therapy apparatus. Care should be taken that theconnection on the one hand hold firmly, but on the other that it can beopened as needed manually/in controlled fashion easily, quickly, and inan uncomplicated way.

With the vacuum therapy apparatus, on the one hand the vacuum isgenerated and on the other, optionally ventilation, or ventilationand/or pressure measurement of the wound area and/or other of the tasksdescribed above are performed. Moreover, in many cases it is necessaryfor two-, three- or multi-lumen lines to be connected to one another,for instance if the position of the vacuum therapy apparatus changes inrelation to the patient and the length of the line has to be adaptedaccordingly. Already existing lines can then continue to be used, ifextension lines with suitable devices are connected tightly to them.

In EP 2 240 233 B1, a two-part connection or connection device for themulti-lumen lines is described in which the individual lumens of theline are realized in the form of individual tubes. In this device, theindividual tubes of a multi-lumen line are brought into engagement insealing fashion with a plurality of inner tube connection plug elementsin a portion of an internal connection part; the individual inner tubeconnection plug elements are brought into engagement with outer tubeconnection tap elements, to which the individual tubes of the othermulti-lumen line are connected. In these connection devices, twoconnection pieces must be joined together and also joined to theindividual tubes of the multi-lumen lines by the user.

A connection device for a multi-lumen tube, in which the lumens arelocated in the interior of the line or tube, is described in EP 2 240234 B1. This known device is in two parts and contains a connectionpiece to be inserted and a receiving connection piece, each piece havinga plurality of flow channels, which must correspond exactly to thenumber and the shape and dimensions design (round, oval; diameter, etc.)of the lumens present in the line. In EP 2 536 448 B1, a coupling partfor separate tubes is described, which has a device that enables fluiddelivery from a service channel into a drainage channel but preventsfluid from flowing in the reverse direction.

In WO 2010/127461 A1, a two-piece coupling arrangement is described,with which multi-lumen tubes (preferably those that have a centraldrainage line and three additional lines arranged around that drainageline) can be connected to one another. Both the drainage line and theadditional lines can discharge into a common chamber in order to measurethe pressure there. In a connection device of U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,313B2, a chamber is provided in which the lumens of a first and second tubecan communicate with one another, even when the tubes are mountedradially offset from one another.

It is also prior art to realize multi-lumen lines in the form of tubesthat are penetrated axially by a plurality of lumens. In that case, itis no longer necessary to join individual tubes to one another. Instead,it suffices to connect just one multi-lumen tube. In these knownmulti-lumen tubes, a central lumen may be provided, which extendscoaxially to the tube axis. Further lumens of the tube can be locatedradially offset from one another and penetrate the tube sheath, definingthe central lumen, in the axial direction parallel to the tube axis. Itis especially advantageous to have an odd number of additional lumens,especially preferably three additional lumens. The radially offsetadditional lumens can be equipped with a smaller cross section than thecentral lumen. Two, three or more radially located, circumferentiallyoffset additional lumens may be provided. When such multi-lumen tubesare connected, in particular when such multi-lumen tubes are joined,care must be taken that the individual lumens of the one tubecommunicate fluidically with the corresponding lumen of the other tube,without there being an unwanted connection between tube lumens thatserve different purposes. For instance, in many cases care must be takenthat the central lumen used to generate the vacuum not enter intocommunication with the radially offset additional lumens, and at thesame time, the radially offset additional lumens of the multi-lumentubes to be joined together must be joined to one another as well.

This joining proves problematic in many cases, because it requires apositionally correct location of the individual tube lumens relative toone another, especially the radially offset additional lumens, whichextend eccentrically, or in other words non-concentrically, to the tubeaxis. The individual radially offset additional lumens can be located ona circumference of the tube sheath, the circumference being concentricwith the tube axis.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of these problems in the prior art, the object of the inventionis to furnish a connection device for multi-lumen lines for wound care,in particular in the field of vacuum therapy, which enables simpleconnection of the lines while reliably ensuring the desired separationamong individual line lumens.

According to the invention, this object is attained by a refinement ofthe known connection devices, which is characterized essentially in thatthe basic body is designed to furnish a distributor chamber for at leastone lumen of the connected line, the at least one lumen opening intothat chamber, and preferably to furnish at least one channel forremoving and introducing a fluid from or into the distributor chamber,and when the line is connected, the distributor chamber is sealed off influid-tight fashion from at least one line lumen in such a way that afluid exchange between the distributor chamber and this line lumen isprevented.

The invention is based on the recognition that the connection orcommunication of multi-lumen lines need not take place via directconnection of the individual line lumens or by direct communication ofthe individual line lumens; it can also happen with an interposeddistributor chamber. By incorporating such a distributor chamber, areliable communication can be effected even without exact alignment ofthe individual lumen orifices. For instance, it is possible forindividual eccentrically located additional lumens of a multi-lumen tubeto discharge into a common distributor chamber, which is sealed off froma communication region for a central lumen of the tube. On the otherhand, the channel provided for introducing a fluid into or removing itfrom the distributor chamber can discharge into a different distributorchamber, which in turn is in communication with orifices ofeccentrically located additional lumens of a different multi-lumen tube.In this way, the radially offset additional lumens can be made tocommunicate fluidically by the interposition of at least one distributorchamber, without requiring the individual radially offset additionallumens to be aligned with one another in a predetermined rotaryposition.

In the context of the invention it is also possible to join tubes to avariable number of radially offset additional lumens. If one end of atube, having three radially offset additional lumens, opens into thedistributor chamber and on the other side one end of the tube is to bejoined together with a different number of radially offset additionallumens, such as five additional lumens, a reliable fluid exchange cantake place between the additional lumens via the distributor chamber.

Moreover, it is possible for such tubes to communicate with one anotherwhile avoiding an unwanted fluid exchange, where two, three or more“central” lumens are surrounded by radially offset additional lumens;the central lumens are also separate from one another and from theradially offset additional lumens.

The term “fluid” in the context of the present invention disclosuremeans a liquid and/or a gas.

In addition to the distributor chamber, optionally formed together withthe line, the basic body can have at least one connection fitting,designed for connecting at least one line lumen, in particular thecentral lumen of a multi-lumen tube, which connection fitting ispreferably designed for introduction into at least one line lumen, inparticular the central line lumen of the multi-lumen tube. Thedistributor chamber can surround the connection fitting at leastpartially, preferably completely. With the aid of the connectionfitting, a reliable separation between the central lumen and theradially offset lumens of a multi-lumen tube is ensured. For connectingtubes with two, three or more central lumens, an equivalent number ofconnection fittings may be provided.

If the basic body has a channel for introducing and removing a fluidinto and from the distributor chamber, then the channel can be formed ina collar that at least partly surrounds the connection fitting. Thecollar widens the connection fitting radially. The channel locatedtherein can extend approximately parallel to the connection fitting andthe tube axis or line axis of the connected line.

It has proved especially advantageous if the distributor chamber isdefined by a chamber bushing beginning at the collar and extendingapproximately parallel to the connection fitting, and if between theconnection fitting and the chamber bushing, an annular gap is designedfor receiving a sheath, penetrated by at least one lumen, of amulti-lumen line. The axial end, facing away from the collar, of theconnection fitting and/or of the chamber bushing can be chamfered tofacilitate introducing a multi-lumen tube; the inside diameter of thechamber bushing optionally tapers beginning at its end facing away fromthe collar, in the direction of the collar, or the outside diameter ofthe connection fitting, beginning at the end facing away from thecollar, increases in the direction of the collar, so that the width ofthe annular gap decreases in the direction of the collar.

When devices of the invention are used for connecting multi-lumen lines,the distributor chamber can be embodied especially simply if a stop isprovided that limits the introduction of the sheath into the annulargap, is located at an axial spacing from the collar, and is preferablyembodied as a radial shoulder on the connection fitting and/or of thechamber bushing. Then the distributor chamber is defined by the fitting,the chamber bushing, the collar, and the sheath end face contacting thestop; an axial spacing between the collar and the sheath end face isspecified by the position of the stop.

In particular in this last-described embodiment of the invention, it hasproved expedient if the basic body is made at least partly oftransparent material and/or has a window, so that the introduction ofthe tube end into the annular gap can be observed and monitored. It hasproved especially appropriate if the basic body, at least in thevicinity of the stop, is formed of transparent material and/or isequipped with at least one observation window. As already mentionedabove, the connection fitting serves as a seal between the central lumenof a multi-lumen tube and the radially offset additional lumens, whichdischarge into the distributor chamber. Furthermore, with the aid of theconnection fitting, a sealing separation between the distributor chamberand the central tube lumen is also effected. The sealing closure can beeffected especially simply and reliably if the connection fitting tapersin the direction toward its axial end facing away from the collar, sothat when the central lumen is slipped onto the connection fitting orwhen the connection fitting is introduced into the central lumen, thecentral lumen is stretched. As a result, a firm seat of the centrallumen on the connection fitting is achieved, and the sealing effectdevelops.

Sealing the distributor chamber from the environment can be achieved ifa sealing device is provided which when the sheath is introduced intothe annular gap comes into contact with an end face of the sheath; thesealing device expediently comes into contact only with a radially outerring of the end face, without closing the radially offset additionallumens of the tube connection, as will be explained hereinafter inconjunction with FIG. 4c . In addition or alternatively, for sealing offthe distributor chamber from the environment, the connection device ofthe invention can have a sealing device that preferably completelysurrounds the sheath and that, when the sheath is introduced into theannular gap, comes into contact with an outer boundary face, surroundingthe line axis, of the sheath. This sealing device can have a sealingshell that is received in the annular gap between the connection fittingand the chamber bushing and has at least one and preferably two, threeor more axially spaced-apart sealing lips or lamellas that surround thebushing axis and come into contact with the outer boundary face of thesheath. These sealing lips or lamellas can be embodied elastically andcan be injected by an injection-molding process into a solid sealingshell body. Then, the fixed sealing shell body on the one hand andsealing lips or lamellas on the other enter into a solid connection withone another. The thus-formed sealing shell can then be introduced intothe basic body.

The sealing shell can be clipped into a surrounding inner groove of thechamber bushing via an annular snap connection, to obtain a positiveconnection. In addition or alternatively, it may also be joined to thebasic body materially or nonpositively. However, the above-addressedpositive connection between the sealing shell and the chamber bushinghas proved especially expedient. If the sealing shell has two, three ormore axially offset sealing lips, then a pressure gradient occursbetween the individual chambers defined by the sealing lips, whichensures an especially tight communication or connection of themulti-lumen line.

With regard to the annular snap connection, the sealing shell on itsradially outer sheath face preferably has an annular bead that iscomplementary to the inner groove of the chamber bushing and surroundsit azimuthally. The embodiment may be made such that this annular beadenters into a fluid-tight engagement with the inner groove.Alternatively, however, it may be advantageous to provide an axialinterruption or opening in the annular bead, at at least one point andpreferably at two diametrically opposed points. As a result, it is truethat the tightness of the engagement between the bead of the sealingshell and the groove of the chamber bushing is undone. However, it isthen possible for an ethylene dioxide (EO) sterilization to take placethrough the interruption or opening.

For relieving the sealing communication between the connection device onthe one hand and the multi-lumen line on the other, it has provedespecially advantageous if a securing device that is adjustable betweena release position, which enables the connection of the multi-lumenline, and a preferably acoustically confirmable securing position, whichsecures the connected line to the basic body, is provided. This securingdevice can be embodied on the order of a clamping mechanism, with whichthe line lumen is held on the connection device independently of thesealing connection. This securing device can have a clamping bushingwhich extends coaxially to the chamber bushing and is rotatable and/oraxially displaceable between the release position and the securingposition. The clamping bushing can cooperate with a clamping body whichis mounted on the basic body of the connection device and which, in thesecuring position, is forced against the outer boundary face of theline.

The clamping body can have at least one clamping tongue, embodiedpreferably in one piece with the chamber bushing and from thereextending approximately parallel to the bushing axis in the direction ofan axial end of the connection device, and the end of the clampingtongue remote from the chamber bushing is forced radially inward towardthe bushing axis into the securing position by adjusting the securingdevice.

The clamping action can be brought about especially simply and reliablyif the clamping bushing has a clamping ramp associated with therespective clamping tongue that, from where the ramp begins, rises inthe direction of the end of the ramp in direction of the bushing axisand comes into contact with a radially widened region of the clampingtongue, so that an adjustment of the clamping bushing causes adisplacement of the ramp relative to the clamping tongue, as a result ofwhich a raised area of the clamping tongue is offset radially inward,beginning when it is in contact with the beginning of the ramp, in thedirection of where it is in contact with the end of the ramp. The rampin the clamping bushing can extend circumferentially. In this embodimentof the invention, the clamping action is brought about by a rotarymotion of the clamping bushing by means of the bushing axis.Alternatively or in addition, the clamping ramp can extend in the axialdirection. Then, the clamping action is effected by an axial motion ofthe clamping bushing (push or pull motion).

In all the embodiments of the invention, it has proved expedient if themotion of the clamping bushing is limited by a stop. When the clampingbushing comes into contact with the stop, a noise can be produced, inorder to provide an acoustical confirmation of closure. For especiallysecure clamping, it has proved especially expedient if the clampingaction wanes somewhat when the securing position is reached, so that theclamping bushing can be moved in reverse into the release position againonly counter to a (slight) force exerted from outside. This can beattained for instance by providing that the ramp end, on reaching thesecuring position, slides over the apex of the radially raised area ofthe clamping tongue, so that the clamping tongue has reached its maximumdeflection inward even before reaching the securing position, andsprings back again somewhat in the securing position.

To facilitate adjusting the securing device from the release positioninto the securing position, the clamping tongue can be placed, with anintentional bending point, against the chamber bushing. The intentionalbending point can be embodied as a thinning of material at thetransition between the chamber bushing and the clamping tongue.

As already explained at the outset, generic connection devices are alsoused to furnish an optionally separable connection for multi-lumentubes. Known connection devices, which enable that kind of connection,have at least two parts, which have to be joined tightly together by theuser in order to be able to establish a communication of the tubes withone another. In these known devices, the various parts are typicallyfirmly joined to the respective tube ends (for instance by gluing).During vacuum therapy, however, it is often necessary for the tubes thatconnect the vacuum therapy apparatus and the wounds to be shortened atan arbitrary point and rejoin them, for example whenever the position ofthe apparatus changes in relation to the patient. Moreover, an easyexchange, for instance of the part of a tube toward the wound or towardthe pump, should be ensured. In connection devices that comprise two ormore parts to be joined together, however, this is possible only withdifficulty. This is especially true if the individual parts of thedevices are solidly joined to the ends of the tubes.

If the connection device of the invention is designed for joiningmulti-lumen lines with two, three or more lumens, it has provedexpedient if the basic body has two, three or more connection fittings,each of which can be introduced into a central lumen of a line and arejoined together and/or is designed for furnishing two, three or moredistributor chambers, of which preferably at least two can be joinedtogether via at least one channel.

In this way, a one-piece connection device is furnished that makes itpossible to shorten tubes at an arbitrary point and rejoin them, whichmakes for easier use, enables more-flexible treatment, and reducescosts. Moreover, the safety of the system is enhanced, since because thedevice is in one piece, the user no longer has to seal the area joiningthe separable parts of the known connection device. This minimizes therisk of user error. Within the scope of this invention, the term“one-piece connection device” is used for a device such that the user isable to join all the necessary tube ends together without having to joinindividual device parts together beforehand. In the process the tubesare joined by joining the tube to a connection region of the connectingdevice, for instance by slipping a central tube lumen over onto aconnection fitting of the device.

In a one-piece connection device of this kind according to the inventionfor connecting multi-lumen tubes, connection fittings extending from thecollar in opposite directions from one another can be provided which areeach surrounded by a chamber bushing, beginning at the collar andextending in opposite directions, creating two annular gaps between theconnection fittings on the one hand and the chamber bushings on theother; their orifices face away from one another, and a seal can beinserted into each of them. Each of the chamber bushings can be assigneda clamping bushing, and the clamping bushing can be displacedindependently of one another between a securing position and a releaseposition. Between the clamping bushings, outer boundary faces of thebasic body of a connection device of the invention that are out in theopen can be provided, which makes using the clamping bushings easier.The exposed area of the basic body can surround the collar and can havea concave contour, in order to facilitate access to it. If a connectiondevice for three multi-lumen tubes according to the invention is to beused, the connection fittings can extend, beginning at a central region,in the shape of a Y in different directions. The correct clampingbushings can then be assigned to each connection fitting. The axiallength of the connection fittings is the same or different, depending onthe desired behavior of the various embodiments in use.

To avoid injuring a patient in the event of an unintended movement ofthe vacuum therapy apparatus, it has proved expedient if the forcesrequired to release the lines from the basic body, when a securingdevice has been displaced in the securing position, differ from oneanother for at least two securing devices. This can be attained forinstance by providing that the connection fitting is embodied in variouslengths. If the connection fitting extends as far as the clamping pointof the securing device, which is optionally determined by clamping hooksof the clamping tongues, the securing device withstands stronger tensileforces on the tube than in a shorter embodiment of the connectionfitting. Expediently, the clamping at the end of the connection deviceof the invention toward the vacuum therapy apparatus is lessened. Otherpossibilities for attaining the same effect would for instance bedifferent thicknesses/degrees of tapering of the connection fittings,seals of varying softness, different clamps, different shape of theclamping tongues, the clamping height, etc. Alternatively or inaddition, different release forces can be attained by means of differentthicknesses/degrees of tapering of the connection fittings, seals withdifferent moduli of elasticity, different clamping rings, and/ordifferent clamping mechanisms.

As can be learned from the foregoing explanation of connection devicesof the invention, a treatment kit of the invention has at least oneconnection device and at least one multi-lumen tube connectable to it;the tube can have a central lumen, defined by a tube sheath, and atleast one additional lumen which penetrates the tube sheath in adirection extending parallel to the tube axis and parallel to thecentral lumen; the at least one additional lumen, after connection tothe connection device, opens into the distributor chamber, and/or theconnection fitting can be introduced into the central lumen. The tubepreferably has a central lumen as well as three symmetrically arrangedadditional lumens.

Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages andnovel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learnedfrom the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of theinvention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalitiesand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained below in conjunction with the drawings,to which reference is made regarding all details essential to theinvention that are not described in detail in the specification. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a multi-lumen tube for a treatment kitaccording to the invention for vacuum therapy;

FIG. 2 is a view of a first embodiment of a connection device of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic detail view of a connection device of theinvention;

FIG. 4 shows sealing devices for a connection device of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows securing devices for connection devices of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a connection device of theinvention; and

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a sealing shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1a shows a radial sectional view of a multi-lumen tube that can beused for a kit according to the invention. FIG. 1b shows an axialsectional view of the tube of FIG. 1a . The multi-lumen tube, indicatedas a whole by reference numeral 10 and having a multi-lumen line, has acentral lumen 20 surrounded by a tube sheath 12. The tube sheath 12 ispenetrated by a number of additional lumens 30 located radially offsetfrom the central lumen 20. The additional lumens are offset uniformlyfrom one another in the circumferential direction. They have a smallercross-sectional area than the central lumen 20. The centers of theradially offset additional lumens 30 are located on a circumference thatextends coaxially to the tube axis.

In kits of the invention, the central lumen 20 can be used to create avacuum in the wound area and to aspirate exudate away from the woundarea, while the radially offset additional lumens 30 can be used forinstance to ventilate the wound area for pressure measurement, and/orfor delivering medication and cleaning fluids, etc. The central lumen 20on the one hand and the radially offset lumens 30 on the other must beseparated from one another, at least along the way between the vacuumtherapy apparatus and the wound area.

In preferred multi-lumen tubes of the invention, a central lumen 20 andan odd number of symmetrically arranged additional lumens 30, radiallyoffset from the central lumen 20, are provided. This ensures anespecially secure connection of the wound to the vacuum therapyapparatus, since as a result of this geometry, even if the tube becomesclamped or kinked, at least one of the additional lumens will merely beminimally deformed; thus in a pressure measurement, for instance, therewill be no loss of information and also, there is no need to fear adisruption of communication (for instance when ventilating the wound).

The tube geometry shown in FIG. 1, with three symmetrically arranged,radially offset additional lumens, has proved especially advantageous.With this geometry, if kinking occurs, only one or two of three lumenswill be significantly deformed, and the shear forces inside the tube inthe event of clamping and kinking have a minimal effect on thepassability of the lumens.

The connection device shown in FIG. 2 is designed for connecting twomulti-lumen tubes of the type shown in FIG. 1. The connection device,identified overall by reference numeral 100, includes a basic body 110,two sealing shells 140, and two clamping bushings 160.

The basic body 110 has a central collar 112, beginning at which twoconnection fittings 114 extend coaxially to one another in oppositedirections from one another. The connection fittings 114 are penetratedby a continuous bore 115. The collar 112 surrounds the connectionfittings 114 completely. At a radial spacing from the connectionfittings 114, chamber bushings 116 are placed against the collar 112.The chamber bushings 116 extend coaxially to one another and coaxiallyto the connection fittings 114 in directions opposite one another,beginning at the collar 112. Between the chamber bushings 116 and theconnection fittings 114, annular gaps are formed, into which the sheath12 of the multi-lumen tube 10 can be introduced. The insertion depth ofthe tube into the annular gap is limited by stops 120, which on theirends facing toward the collar 112 are embodied as radially widened areasof the connection fittings 114. As indicated at 121, the chamberbushings, in the vicinity of the collar or of the stops 112, areequipped with windows, which enable visual monitoring of the contact ofthe end faces of the tube 10 with the stops 120.

The sealing shells 140 are inserted into the annular gaps formed betweenthe connection fittings 114 and the chamber bushings 116, so that theouter boundary faces of the sealing shells, with the aid of a ring snapconnection, rest in positive fashion on the inner boundary face of thechamber bushings. The sealing shells 140 include a rigid ornondeformable sheath body 142, for instance of polypropylene, and aplurality of axially spaced-apart deformable sealing lamellas 144, whichwhen the line 10 has been thrust in rest on the outer boundary face ofthe line and thus form a multi-chamber seal. In other embodiments of theinvention, it is possible for only a sealing lamella to be provided. Onthe outer boundary face of the rigid sealing shell 142, an encompassingbead 142 a is formed, which to form the ring snap connection is receivedin a radially inner indention of the chamber bushing 116.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the bead 142 a is not embodiedas completely surrounding but instead has two diametrically opposedinterruptions or openings 142 b. This allows the passage ofsterilization gas in ethylene dioxide (EO) sterilization.

Within the scope of the invention, the use of a rigid sheath body is notabsolutely necessary. The seal can also be made in some other way. Forinstance, it can be glued, injected directly, or implemented in the formof a commercially available seal. Moreover, it is not absolutelynecessary that the sealing lamellas be deformable. It suffices if thetube is resilient. Then the tube forms the sealing body, which conformsto a rigid structure of the sealing shell. The insertion depth of thesealing shells 140 is limited by a stop of the chamber bushings. In thisarea, the sealing body that has the sealing lamellas fits over the endface of the rigid sealing shell 142, to enable face-end sealing of theannular gap between the connection fittings 114 and the chamber bushings116.

Between the stops that limit the insertion depth of the tube into theannular gap and the surrounding collar 112, a distributor chamber 200 isformed once the tube has been inserted. The distributor chambers 200formed on both sides of the collar 112 communicate with one another viachannels 113 (see FIG. 3). It is thus possible to join the radiallyoffset additional lumens 30 of the tube sheaths 12, inserted into theannular gaps, to one another regardless of the rotary position of thesheaths relative to the connecting device; sealing the radially offsetadditional lumens from the central lumen 20 is made possible with theaid of the connection fittings 114. The connection fittings 114 areintroduced into the central lumen 20 of the tubes when the tubes 10 areconnected. The outer boundary faces of the connection fittings 114broaden, beginning at the ends facing away from the collar 112 andextending toward the collar, so that the central lumen 20 is widenedupon introduction of the connection fittings 114, and a tight seat ofthe tubes 10 on the connection fittings 114 is achieved; at the sametime, sealing occurs from contact of the sealing lamellas 144 with theouter boundary face of the sheath 12.

On the chamber bushings 116, on their ends facing away from the collar112, clamping tongues 130 are located, which are placed against thechamber bushings 116 via areas of thinned material 132. The chamberbushings 116 and clamping tongues 130 are surrounded by clampingbushings 160. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, theclamping tongues 130, on their ends facing away from the chamberbushings 116, have thickened areas 136 that radially widen the clampingtongue 130. In addition, radially on the inside, the clamping tongues130 are provided with clamping teeth 138 that become wider radiallyinward. The clamping bushings 160 are equipped on the inner boundaryfaces with radially inner clamping rings 162 that reduce the insidediameter of the clamping bushings 160. When the clamping bushings 160,beginning at the release position shown in FIG. 2, which enables theintroduction of the multi-lumen tube into the annular gaps between theconnection fitting 114 and the chamber bushing 116, are pushed away fromthe collar 112, the clamping rings 162 come into contact with thethickened area 136 and press the clamping tongue 130 as a whole radiallyinward; shifting the position of the clamping tongues 130 is facilitatedby the intentional bending points 132 in the transition region betweenclamping tongues 130 and chamber bushings 160.

In the course of the axial motion of the clamping bushing 160 relativeto the clamping tongue 130, the clamping ring 162 slides over the apexof the thickening 136, so that a return motion from the securingposition thus reached to the release position shown in FIG. 2 ispossible only by overcoming a thrusting force. Upon reaching thesecuring position, radially inner stop ribs 164 of the clamping bushing160 come into contact with radially outer stop ribs 134 of the chamberbushing 116, so that reaching the securing position is confirmedacoustically. In the securing position, the clamping teeth 138 engagethe outer boundary face of the tube sheath 12, so that the tube sheathis secured against coming loose from the connection device 100. As canbe seen in FIG. 2, in the release position as well, the clampingbushings are located at an axial spacing from one another that isdefined by the collar 112 with radial widening. This makes separatelyactuating the clamping bushings 160 easier. The collar 112, on its outerboundary face, has an indentation that eases access to the basic body.

As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the connection fittings 114 of the basicbody 110 are embodied in various lengths. It is thus attained that theforces required to release the tubes from the connection fittings areunequal. The clamping bushings can be embodied as rounded on the faceend, in order to prevent their catching on other objects. Conversely, inalternative embodiments, the lengths of the connection fittings 114 areequal. Markings that indicate the possible directions of motion can bemade on the outer boundary faces of the clamping bushings. Thesemarkings can be embodied for instance in the form of axial doublearrows, labels (up/down) and/or symbols (padlock, etc.). The markingscan be embodied as raised/indented and optionally roughened/polishedsurface regions or simply painted on, glued on, etc., in order tofacilitate the use of the connection device. The surface regions of theclamping bushings can be roughened and/or can contain grooves, rings,structured areas, etc. (or even have no marking), to prevent a person'sfinger from slipping in use.

In FIG. 4, variations of possible seals between the multi-lumen tube andthe basic body of a connection device of the invention are shown. FIG.4a shows a polygonal lamella seal; FIG. 4b shows a seal with a roundlamella; FIG. 4c shows a face-end seal outside the radially offsetadditional lumens between the end faces of the tubes and collar 112.FIG. 4d shows a seal via sealing rings embodied as O-rings. Finally, asin FIG. 4e , a radial shaft seal can also be used.

In FIG. 5, variations of securing devices of connection devices of theinvention are shown. FIG. 5a essentially corresponds to the securingdevice of FIG. 2; a radially inner clamping ring 162, upon displacementof the clamping bushing 160 from the release position to the securingposition, slides along radially widening clamping ramps of the clampingtongues 130 and offsets the clamping tongues 130 radially inward; theclamping teeth 138 enter into engagement with the outer boundary face ofthe tube sheath 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5a , in all fourclamping tongues 130 spaced apart from one another in thecircumferential direction are provided; with the aid of the axial motionof the clamping bushing 160, they can be forced against the outerboundary face of the tube sheath 12. The clamping bushings 160 arepulled apart in the process, which can be seen by comparing the variousviews in FIG. 5a . The securing position of the securing device is shownat bottom right.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5b , the securingposition is reached by rotation of the clamping bushing. To that end, inthe vicinity of the inner boundary face of the clamping bushing,clamping ramps extending in the circumferential direction are provided,which by rotation of the clamping bushing bring about radial shifting ofthe clamping tongues 130. An advantage of this embodiment of theinvention is the reduced space required.

Finally, the clamping tongues in the embodiment of FIG. 5c can beradially offset inward by axially compressing the clamping bushings 160.To that end, corresponding clamping ramps 160 a are provided on theinner boundary face of the clamping bushings 160 and cooperate withthickenings 130 a on the outer boundary faces of the clamping tongues130.

The connection device of FIG. 6 is intended for a total of threemulti-lumen tubes. For that purpose, the connection device of FIG. 6 hasa total of three connection fittings 114, 114′, 114″, each surrounded bya chamber bushing 116, 116′, 116″, respectively, so that a total ofthree annular chambers are available for introducing tube sheaths ofmulti-lumen tubes. The central lumens of the tubes can be joinedtogether via bores that penetrate the connection fittings. The radiallyoffset additional lumens can be joined via corresponding channels in thebasic body 110. Each connection fitting of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 6 is assigned clamping tongues 130, 130′, 130″and clamping bushings 160, 160′, 160″ of the type shown in FIGS. 2through 4. One of the connection fittings 160″ of the connection deviceshown in FIG. 6 is embodied as shorter than the other two connectionfittings 160, 160′. That connection fitting serves for instance to joina multi-lumen tube to the vacuum therapy apparatus. The connection canbe more easily released than that of the other multi-lumen tubes thrustonto the other connection fittings, since in these other tubes theconnection fittings forms an abutment for the clamping tongues, so thatthe clamping force can be reinforced. Thus a “rated breaking point” canbe furnished in the vicinity of this connection fitting.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments of the inventionexplained in conjunction with the drawings. Connection devices accordingto the invention can also be used by directly connecting a multi-lumentube to a vacuum therapy apparatus. Moreover, they can be used forconnecting four or more multi-lumen tubes. An arbitrary number ofadditional lumens, which are joined together via distributor chambers,can be used.

While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, variousmodifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein,except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope ofthe claims.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A connection device for a multi-lumen tube sheathhaving a central lumen and at least one additional lumen radially offsetfrom the central lumen, the connection device comprising: a centralcollar defining a distributor chamber; at least one connection fittingextending coaxially from the central collar; at least one chamberbushing extending coaxially from the central collar and spaced apartfrom the connection fitting to form an annular gap between theconnection fitting and the chamber bushing; and wherein when amulti-lumen tube sheath is introduced into the annular gap, theconnection fitting is inserted into the central lumen, the at least oneadditional lumen is in communication with the distributor chamber, andthe central lumen and the at least one additional lumen are sealed offfrom one another in a fluid-tight fashion.
 20. The device of claim 19further comprising a stop that limits the introduction of the tubesheath into the annular gap.
 21. The device of claim 20 wherein the stopis a radial shoulder on the connection fitting.
 22. The device of claim20 further comprising a window in the central collar through whichvisual monitoring of the contact of the tube sheath end with the stop isenabled.
 23. The device of claim 19 further comprising a sealing devicein the annular gap.
 24. The device of claim 23 wherein the sealingdevice is a sealing shell received in the annular gap, the sealing shellhaving at least one sealing lamella surrounding the chamber bushing axisand coming into contact with the outer boundary face of the tube sheathwhen it is introduced.
 25. The device of claim 24 wherein the sealingshell further comprises an encompassing bead and the chamber bushingfurther comprises a radially inner indention, wherein a ring snapconnection is formed between the sealing shell and the chamber bushing.26. The device of claim 25 wherein the encompassing bead has at leastone opening whereby the encompassing bead does not completely surroundthe sealing shell.
 27. The device of claim 23, wherein the sealingdevice comprises a polygonal lamella seal.
 28. The device of claim 23,wherein the sealing device comprises a round lamella.
 29. The device ofclaim 23, wherein the sealing device is a face-end seal.
 30. The deviceof claim 23, wherein the sealing device is an o-ring.
 31. The device ofclaim 23, wherein the sealing device is a radial shaft seal.
 32. Thedevice of claim 19 further comprising a securing device that isadjustable between a release position, which enables the introduction ofa multi-lumen tube into the annular gap, and a securing position, whichsecures a multi-lumen tube within the connection device.
 33. The deviceof claim 32 wherein the securing device comprises a clamping bushingextending coaxially to the chamber bushing.
 34. The device of claim 33further comprising at least two clamping tongues extending from thechamber bushing, wherein the clamping tongues are offset radially inwardwhen the clamping bushing is moved from the release position to thesecuring position.
 35. A connection device for connecting twomulti-lumen tube sheaths each having a central lumen and at least oneadditional lumen radially offset from the central lumen, the connectiondevice comprising: a central collar defining a distributor chamber; apair of connection fittings extending coaxially and in oppositedirections from the central collar, the connection fittings defining acontinuous bore; a pair of chamber bushings extending coaxially from thecentral collar and spaced apart from the connection fittings to form anannular gap between each of the connection fittings and the chamberbushings; and wherein when two tube sheaths are introduced into theannular gaps, the connection fittings are inserted into the centrallumens of the tube sheaths, the at least one additional lumen of eachsheath is in communication with the distributor chamber, and the centrallumens and the at least one additional lumens are sealed off from oneanother in a fluid-tight fashion.
 36. The connection device of claim 35,wherein the length of one of the connection fittings is different fromthe length of the other connection fitting, whereby the forces requiredto release the tube sheathes from the connection fittings are unequal.37. A device for connecting multi-lumen lines for the medical field, inparticular for wound care in the field of vacuum therapy, the devicecomprising: a one-piece basic body designed for tight and releasableconnection of at least two multi-lumen lines, the basic body furnishingat least one distributor chamber for at least one line lumen to openinto and a channel for removing a fluid from or introducing a fluid tothe distributor chamber; wherein when a multi-lumen line is connected tothe basic-body, the distributor chamber is sealed off in fluid-tightfashion from at least one line lumen such that fluid exchange betweenthe distributor chamber and the at least one line lumen is prevented.38. The device of claim 37 wherein the basic body furnishes two or moredistributor chambers, of which at least two are connected with eachother via at least one channel.